Maine's Biggest Peace Rally Since the Beginning of the Iraq Bombings

"The more I spent time there, I realized we were doing more damage, more harm than good."
-Brian Clement, 24, was stationed in Iraq from 2004 to 2005 as an Army specialist

"We're not a fringe crazy group. It's everybody."
-Mary Horrigan's son, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Robert Horrigan, died in Iraq at age 40 on June 16, 2005

A father and son walked side by side Saturday among the hundreds of protesters marching and chanting through the streets of downtown Bangor in a peaceful demonstration against the Iraq war.

They both appeared emotional, walking at times with arms over each other's shoulders, other times wiping a tear away as they helped push a trailer bed lined with white crosses to signify the lives lost in the war.

Richard Clement of Pittston is a member of Veterans for Peace. His son Brian Clement is affiliated with Iraq Veterans Against the War.

Brian Clement is in the inactive Reserves and is a student at the University of Maine. He is studying history in hopes of becoming a teacher.

Richard Clement's wife, Rita, marched a few feet behind with Military Families Speak Out, the group to which she belongs.

"This war should have never been started in the first place, and we've got to do everything in our power to stop our politicians," said Rita Clement.